Beebe shifts focus to future
After five years of expansion in eastern Sussex County, Beebe Healthcare is shifting its focus to the future.
Beebe leaders discussed the healthcare group’s vision and five-year strategic plan at a June 15 press conference in Lewes.
“We are committed to serving the needs of our growing community,” said Dr. David Tam, Beebe president and CEO.
Tam said Beebe will make thoughtful investments in people, infrastructure, technology, innovation, partnerships and comprehensive services. Beebe will also enhance and expand its core clinical services to make sure it’s delivering safe, high-quality care in an evolving industry, he said. Programs will focus on patient centricity, Tam said, ensuring they are inclusive of all people.
“We need to better understand and elevate the voices and expectations of our various stakeholders – our patients, physicians, providers, employees, payers as well as the community at large – to inform valuable programs, resources and services that are needed to promote wellness, disease prevention and overall healthy living here in our community,” Tam said.
A way to make that happen, he said, is for Beebe to be a premier employer. He said Beebe will take steps to attract the best people and partners to foster long-term loyalty.
“This will include offering a balanced and competitive mix of growth and development opportunities for our people, compensation and/or incentives and other benefits built upon a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone is deeply connected to our mission,” he said.
Tam said Beebe will also continue to steward resources responsibly and remain agile by using all available resources with integrity to ensure stability and longevity.
“We will ensure our organizational decision-making will always remain focused on supporting our long-term strategic goals without compromising our ability to swiftly act in the best interest of the patients and communities we serve in the near term when needed,” he said.
The updated vision was developed by a strategic planning committee created by the board of directors and executive management. The committee conducted interviews with community members, leaders, team members and physicians. The result is a plan that encompasses the missions of Beebe Healthcare, Beebe Medical Group, the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing and Beebe Medical Foundation.
Beebe board member Sara Larch, who chaired the strategic planning committee, said the plan boldly marks Beebe’s next chapter as the health system of choice in Sussex County.
“The spirit of the plan is captured by the phrase ‘One Beebe,’ which makes clear our shared priorities for Beebe and the road ahead,” she said.
“You won’t be surprised to hear that we heard that change is driving Beebe strategies and opportunities,” she continued. “Our community is growing at a rapid pace, but our community’s needs are changing, too.”
Beebe has embarked on a robust expansion plan in recent years. A freestanding emergency room and cancer center opened in the Millville area in 2020. Earlier this year, a $124 million specialty surgical hospital opened off Warrington Road north of Rehoboth Beach. Renovations to the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus also occurred in recent years.
“When Beebe commits to a plan for the people of Sussex County, we deliver,” said Tom Protack, president of Beebe Medical Foundation.
He thanked Sussex County residents for their continued support.
“You have believed in us and we have delivered your investment in some of these most fabulous and state-of-the-art facilities with your incredible philanthropy,” he said.
To learn more about Beebe Healthcare, go to beebehealthcare.org.
Strategic goals
- Deliver superior access to care and superior patient experience
- Enhance and expand core clinical services to better serve the community
- Develop programs based on patient centricity that are inclusive for all people
- Become the employer and partner of choice in Sussex County
- Steward resources and promote an agile business model to ensure sustainability and success
